
About the Experience
This beginner-friendly Baja kayaking adventure in Mexico is a thrilling active adventure that includes one of the most spectacular sea-kayaking trips in North America – known as the “Galapagos of Mexico” for its diverse marine ecology.
Intrepid explorers and nature lovers Baja bound will find a slice of paradise in Mexico’s 775-mile-long Baja Peninsula. You’ll feel wild and untamed as you paddle a sea kayak off Baja’s remote Isla Espiritu Santo, and quickly find out how easy it is to escape the ordinary by immersing yourself in this island’s vibrant natural panorama.
A gentle sea swell ushers your boat along the base of volcanic cliffs and into quiet, beach-lined coves. Schools of tropical fish swim beneath your bow. Frigate birds soar like flying dinosaurs high overhead. And on rocky sanctuaries just offshore, sea lion colonies and bird rookeries make their calls to the wild. Best of all: fleeting glimpses of dolphins and even breaching whales breaking the silky horizon of the Sea of Cortez.
Our Wild Women Baja kayaking adventure begins with a night of canyon camping under a star-studded sky with nearby natural hot springs to soak in. This journey will take you to La Paz with its old-world beauty and charm, where you will enjoy days of voyaging around the coast of Espiritu Santo Island where life is teeming beneath the water and around you as you kayak.
You’ll get back to nature as your paddle transports you to hidden lagoons, spectacular bays, and sea caves. You’ll take to the sea to snorkel with sea lion pups, bathe in the glorious Baja sun, watch manta rays leap from the water, and visit the curious gray whales of Puerto Chale.

About the Experience
This beginner-friendly Baja kayaking adventure in Mexico is a thrilling active adventure that includes one of the most spectacular sea-kayaking trips in North America – known as the “Galapagos of Mexico” for its diverse marine ecology.
Intrepid explorers and nature lovers Baja bound will find a slice of paradise in Mexico’s 775-mile-long Baja Peninsula. You’ll feel wild and untamed as you paddle a sea kayak off Baja’s remote Isla Espiritu Santo, and quickly find out how easy it is to escape the ordinary by immersing yourself in this island’s vibrant natural panorama.
A gentle sea swell ushers your boat along the base of volcanic cliffs and into quiet, beach-lined coves. Schools of tropical fish swim beneath your bow. Frigate birds soar like flying dinosaurs high overhead. And on rocky sanctuaries just offshore, sea lion colonies and bird rookeries make their calls to the wild. Best of all: fleeting glimpses of dolphins and even breaching whales breaking the silky horizon of the Sea of Cortez.
Our Wild Women Baja kayaking adventure begins with a night of canyon camping under a star-studded sky with nearby natural hot springs to soak in. This journey will take you to La Paz with its old-world beauty and charm, where you will enjoy days of voyaging around the coast of Espiritu Santo Island where life is teeming beneath the water and around you as you kayak.
You’ll get back to nature as your paddle transports you to hidden lagoons, spectacular bays, and sea caves. You’ll take to the sea to snorkel with sea lion pups, bathe in the glorious Baja sun, watch manta rays leap from the water, and visit the curious gray whales of Puerto Chale.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL
Today you will rendezvous with your Wild Women guides and group in front of Hotel El Encanto in San Jose Del Cabo at 11:30 AM. We’ll swap stories and laughs over the course of our ground transfer in a private taxi to a rural restaurant in the beating heart of Canyon del Zorro, Santiago (1 hour).
We’ll get into the Mexican groove with our first bites of tempting regional cuisine before a short walk (15 minutes one way with a 120m/394ft elevation gain) to take in the views of Fox Canyon. A 12m (40ft) waterfall pours into a welcoming large natural bathing pool. We’ll have an opportunity to swim under the pounding falls before continuing our drive (30 minutes) to Santa Rita Canyon where we’ll walk (approximately 40 minutes) to our secret campsite under the shade of an enormous fig tree.
Bonus? The campsite is just a short walk away from a steamy natural hot spring – it’s the perfect place to channel your bone-deep wild ways and skinny dip (optional). Following a reviving soak we’ll enjoy a filling grilled dinner prepared over the fire and absorb the rustic surroundings of our sheltered canyon campsite.
Note: You must plan to arrive in San Jose Del Cabo the day/night before this trip begins due to the early rendezvous time. *Be sure to book flights to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Your pre-trip accommodation is not included though WWE will provide recommendations for popular resort-style hotels or more central options in the town. The most convenient option would be the rendezvous point, Hotel El Encanto. The hotel’s location is walking-friendly–you’ll find several restaurants, unique shops and galleries nearby.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
How much further? 1.5 hour shuttle (65km/40mi)
The skinny on today’s hike: Easy-peasy! The walk is 2.5km (1.6 miles) on a dirt trail with 90m (295ft) elevation gain and takes around 40 minutes, depending on the group’s pace.
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Private campsite, Santa Rita Canyon
DAY TWO: SANTA RITA CANYON
Today we will have the entire morning to explore the depths of Santa Rita Canyon. We will hike and climb our way up this spectacular canyon, taking full advantage of the deep pockets of freshwater rock pools that we can dip in. There will be plenty of time to bask in the warm embrace of the Baja sun! Following lunch, we’ll transfer to La Paz and check into our hotel for showers and real beds!
We’ll take a slow stroll along the sea promenade to absorb the bay views and stunning sunset. We’ll have dinner and laughs over “who’s on Team Cilantro?” at an authentic local La Paz restaurant before jumping in a taxi van back to our hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Hotel Catedral La Paz
How much further? 2.5 hours (145km/90mi)
The skinny on today’s hike: Be prepared for a challenging 3-hour scramble over uneven, rocky terrain with an elevation gain of 87m (285ft) and elevation loss of 100m (328ft)! The route is 3km (1.9mi) with some bracing swims in between.
Head’s Up: Tonight you will repack for the kayaking expedition. Dry bags will be provided with direction on what items will be essential for you to include. Our group will be able to securely store extra luggage at the hotel or the outfitter’s base in La Paz for the duration of the kayak trip.
DAY THREE: SWIMMING WITH SEA LIONS
Today we’ll make a beeline to the sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site, Espiritu Santo Island National Park. From Hotel Catedral, it’s a simple 2km/1.2mi shuttle to the boat launch. This 3-hour motor boat excursion includes an unforgettable encounter–swimming with sea lion pups!
Espiritu Santo Island was designated as a UNESCO site in 2005 and was deemed a national park in 2007. The biodiversity is sensational with 98 bird species, 32 registered reptiles and 16 endemic flora and fauna species. Above and below the surface, Espiritu Santo is vibrating with life and sound.
We will deep dive into our island adventure with one of the trip’s unmatched highlights: a face-to-face snorkeling experience with playful sea lion pups! This intimate encounter with the amazing underwater acrobats is truly unique. The pups are curious and puppy-like in every way!
Tonight, we’ll be camping on the beach in a protected bay on the west coast of the island. Here, we’ll have our first kayak orientation and get our feet and paddles wet with a 2-hour paddle around the bay.
Following a royal feast of I-want-this-Mexican-recipe Mexican, we will have a tutorial on beach camping do’s and don’ts and port-a-potty training for newbies.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: This one’s for the beach bums! Beach camping!
How much further? 8 minutes driving and approximately 3 hours for the boat excursion to swim with the pups.
The skinny on today’s paddle: 2 hours, 5km/3.1mi
DAY FOUR-FIVE: ESPIRITU ISLAND
Yawn and stretch as you awake from the serene splendor of camping in the shelter of a protected desert island. Over the next two days, we will be exploring the island on foot (easy, short scrambles), camping, kayaking and snorkeling the coast of Espiritu by human power alone. This mini kayaking expedition offers countless opportunities for up close and personal wildlife sightings above and below our kayaks.
Our camping sites may include Candelero, Coralito Bay or Dispensa Beach, the location of an intricate mangrove ecosystem. Our destination will depend on sea conditions and Mother Nature’s wind machine. The group’s safety and weather will always dictate our route!
Depending on time and the group’s energy, the island can also be explored on trails leading from the campsites.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Beach Camp (with a solar shower!)
The skinny on the paddles: On Day 4, approximately 3 hours depending on the group’s skill level and pace. Expect to paddle 9.8 km/6mi. On Day 5, we’ll be paddling 10.5km/6.6mi or around 3.5 hours.
Please note: Everyone will be asked to help pack the group’s camping gear, food and personal gear (dry bags) in the support motorboat. Your guides help you organize the necessary gear you need for the day in the kayak hatches. The support motor boat will accompany our group to assist with gear and luggage transport during the kayak expedition but we will still learn how to efficiently pack a sea kayak for excursions.
DAY SIX: FRIGATE BIRD COLONY
After a nourishing breakfast we’ll slide our kayaks in for one last, precious morning paddle to a Frigate Bird colony situated in a former pearl farm. It’s quite a site to observe these sinister, thieving birds with their hooked beak and distinct forked tails cruising the thermals. The inflatable brilliant red throat pouch of the males (employed during mating season) is a marvel! These gular sacs take about 20 minutes to fully inflate!
After having a solid bird’s eye view of the colony, we’ll jump into a boat, speed back to La Paz and check into Hotel Catedral. There will be time to unwind, wash the sand and sun from our skin and/or stroll before gathering again for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Tonight’s sweet sleep: Hotel Catedral La Paz
How much further? 50 minutes (by boat), 26.5km/16.5mi
The skinny on today’s paddle: 2.5 hours (depending on frigate selfies!), 7.35km/4.6mi
DAY SEVEN: WATCH THE MAJESTIC GRAY WHALES
This is the culmination of a supernatural week! We’ll have a private 2-hour van shuttle to Puerto Chale, the departure site of our whale watching excursion.
The anticipation of being in the presence of 49-foot (15m) 40-ton (80,000lbs) whales and their calves is the finger-crossed hope of our 3-hour boat ride today. Their curiosity is as great as ours and the whales will often swim parallel to our tiny vessels for a closer look.
On our return trip to La Paz we’ll stop for lunch and to stretch our sea legs.
Tonight will be our final dinner together and the conversation is guaranteed to be colourful, candid and full of cherished reflections and whale tales no doubt!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Hotel Catedral La Paz
How much further? 4 hours roundtrip (360km/224mi)
Whale spouts: Hopefully, LOTS!
DAY EIGHT: DEPARTURES
We’ll have an early bird breakfast at our hotel and turbo charge our day with extra cups of coffee before taking a group taxi directly to Los Cabos airport (SJD) at 8AM. Please do not book flights before 2PM.
Before departure, be sure to figure out the answer to the burning question with your fellow Wild Women: Where next?
Meals Included: Breakfast
How much further? 2.5 hour shuttle to the airport(195km/121mi)
Ultimate souvenir: A little bit of Baja sand in everything you brought.
In the event of strong north winds on the Sea of Cortez that make kayaking unsafe, Wild Women Expeditions has two contingency options in place. The itinerary may be delivered differently from what was presented on the website where all activities will still be experienced, simply in a different order. However, if kayaking is not possible (for safety reasons) on the Sea of Cortez, your group will explore an alternative route on the Pacific coast of the Baja peninsula by kayak, camping on sand dunes and paddling in the protection of lush and beautiful mangroves.
Please book your flights to arrive at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) the night before your trip begins. You will need to book accommodation in San Jose Del Cabo for one night – please see recommended pre-trip accommodations for options.
If you require an airport shuttle to your pre-trip hotel in San Jose Del Cabo, we recommend: https://www.cabotransfers.com/
Group Rendezvous Point Day 1
El Encanto Inn, San Jose Del Cabo
- Time: 11:30am
- Location: Hotel lobby of El Encanto Inn (Calle Morelos #133, San Jose del Cabo Baja California Sur, Mexico)
We recommend reserving a room at the El Encanto Innwhere you will be picked-up on Day 1.
Other nearby options in San Jose:
- Casa Natalia
- Hotel Posada Real Los Cabos
- Barceló Gran Faro Los Cabos
- Marisol Hotel Boutique
- Hyatt Place
To ensure you arrive at least 2 hours before your departure, flights should be booked for late afternoon (after 2 PM) or early evening.
If you are extending your stay in Mexico and are returning to the Los Cabos area with the Wild Women Expeditions return transfer, please be sure to arrange further transportation from the airport as this will be the sole taxi drop off location.
Drop-Off Point:
- Time: Around 12PM
- Location: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
We recommend El Encanto Inn if you are staying in San Jose Del Cabo.
See ‘Recommended Pre-Trip Accommodations’ for other options in San Jose.
If you prefer to stay near the airport, we recommend: Hotel Aeropuerto
Megan and Zale | ****Now Boarding Travel Specialist
Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel
Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!,/p>
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.
- Visa
Visitors to Mexico must obtain a tourist card (FMM). Major airlines will provide this form during the flight. You must include the following information on the form: numbers of days you will be in the country, passport number, destination, city of origin and other related information. Keep this card, as it will need to be presented to leave the country. If you lose the card you will have to go through Mexican immigration and be charged approximately $30.00 USD to re-do the tourist paperwork.
Do You Need a Mexican Tourist Card?
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
It is customary to leave a tip to thank waiters, valets, tour guides and other service providers. At restaurants, bars and coffee shops, it is customary to leave 10-15% of the total amount of the bill. Some restaurants and bars include the tip in the final bill, be sure to check this in order to avoid overpaying. You may also visit the link provided under ‘Budgeting’ below within the tab ‘More Money Matters’ for more guidance on tipping.
Most participants tip their guides and other tour staff when they feel they were provided great service. We are often asked what an appropriate amount is and most participants who provide a gratuity for their guides and other tour staff, have each tipped in the range of $11 – $20 USD per day or $90 – $175 USD for an 8 day expedition. Tips should be given to the lead guide who will share the gratuity with auxiliary staff that are directly related to the trip, drivers, boat skippers, etc.
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on a twin share (minimum of two people per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel companion.
- Private Upgrade
If you’d prefer not to share a bedroom or tent, we have a single supplement option. Single room upgrades are subject to availability and we will confirm this with you following your request.
- Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are provided upon request and you will have the opportunity to note this request in your Travel Details Form.
If you are planning to bring your own, please ensure it is a lightweight sleeping bag with a compression sack (should be 3-season or rated to at least 5°C)
Note: Sleeping bags must fit into a 20L dry bag in order to fit into the kayak hatches.
- Bathrooms
At the hotels, you’ll have an ensuite or private bathroom attached to your bedroom.
At the private campground near Santiago, there is an outhouse with a composting toilet.
During the camping portion of the trip, you will receive instructions on how to use the ‘facilities’. On Isla Espiritu Santo, there is a strict “leave no trace” practice on the land. You will be asked to pee below the tide line, behind the pee screen, along the water away from your campsite, and your guides will also set-up a port-a-potty in a private area near the campsite. A solar shower is set-up on the island during the camping portion of the trip. All potable water is brought in the motor boat (panga) in garafons. It will be served ice chilled from the 5 gallon thermos so you can continually refill your personal water bottles.
- On-Trip Hygiene & Bathrooms
Wild Women Expeditions recommends you bring along biodegradable wipes (hand sanitizer is available) to use post-washroom and pre-meals.
On the sea kayak expedition, all garbage will be packed out by the motorboat.
A porta-toilet is carried throughout the trip, to be used while at the campsite(s). During the day, expect to pee below the high tide line. The porta-toilet is similar to the image linked and will be placed in a discreet location away from the main camp. Think plein air bathroom!
- Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage
Wireless Internet is available at the Hotel Catedral and may be available at the Mangrove Inn.
- Potable Water
Purified water is provided throughout the expedition (carried in collapsible containers). It is advised to not drink the tap water, even in major hotels. Visitors should drink only bottled water, which is widely available.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
- Private Campsite near Santiago
- Hotel Catedral La Paz
- Camping on Espiritu Santo Island
Our first night will be spent at a special private campsite in a canyon near Santiago adjacent to some protected and pristine hot springs still in its natural state! You will be camping in a designated area. There is also a thatched roofed dining shelter and composting toilets on site.
This hotel is part of the historic centre of the city, surrounded by major attractions next to Our Cathedral Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated contemporary modernist architecture, Hotel Catedral La Paz strives to offer its guests excellent service and quality, both in the rooms and its gourmet restaurant.
During your coastal kayak trip, high-quality sleeping tents will be supplied, along with a Thermarest sleeping pad and communal camping gear. All camping gear and food are carried in the kayaks. Bathroom facilities are minimal including a port-a-potty. Be prepared to pee below the high tide line. Please note that there are few suitable campsites on the island and we may share campsites with other groups.
- Snorkel with a ‘buddy’, taking particular care to be mindful of currents.
- Let the sea lions swim to you rather than chasing them. They are naturally curious and if you’re patient you will enjoy a close encounter.
- Do not corner them and respect their territory – if a sea lion blows bubbles in your face you are too close and should move away slowly.
- Avoid a staring match – this could antagonize them. Rather appear disinterested so they do not feel threatened by your presence.
- Do not touch or hold on to them!
- Swimming with the sea lions is a great experience with very few-reported incidences but remember they are wild animals, and you should be aware of the risks involved.
Baja is well known for its gorgeous aquamarine tranquil seas and has thus become a mecca for kayakers of all abilities. In fact, it is one of the most popular paddling destinations throughout the northern hemisphere during the winter months. However, it should not go unmentioned that there are regular north winds that can reach 20+mph.
These “northerlies” are particularly present between mid-November and mid-March and can sometimes blow for three days at a time, though more commonly they are limited to being strong afternoon breezes. These winds can create tough paddling conditions – waves, choppy water, etc.
Espiritu Santo has some deep fjord-like bays that provide protection from these prevailing winds, but there could be day(s) when we cannot kayak. It may still be possible to practice kayak skills – rescues, the roll, even surfing but not possible to advance from one bay to another. Your guides are highly experienced, and they will always offer alternative activities if it is not deemed safe to kayak – hiking, snorkelling in a protected bay, etc.
- Dehydration & sunburn: The sun unfailingly claims the biggest number of casualties – please take appropriate precautions to avoid joining the statistics.
- Wind: The Baja ‘Norte’ blows regularly and unexpectedly between November and April. Pre-trip planning and constant vigilance for a change in the weather are essential ingredients for a successful expedition.
- Stingrays: Adopt the ‘stingray shuffle’ technique. Stingrays hide under the sand of shallow waters. Wear footwear and shuffle your feet while in the water, this will scare the stingrays away. If you fall victim, place the wound in a pot with hot water and vinegar. Continue to add hot water to maintain temperature. After one hour the pain should dissipate.
- Jelly Fish: Keep an eye out, particularly during the warm water months. If inflicted avoid scratching the area. Apply Cortisone cream, or urine with hot sand will work very well.
- Stone Fish: These are very dangerous and fortunately rare. Do not stand up on rocky areas while snorkelling.
- Rattlesnakes & Scorpions: They are rare but keep an eye out when hiking. Also, keep your tent zipped up to avoid these and other unwelcome visitors.
- Puffer Fish: You will find numerous puffers washed up on the shoreline along with other treacherous objects. These cause the second most frequent injuries.
There will be a combination of single (solo) and tandem (double) kayaks on trip and manufacturers may include; Seaward, Prijon, Current Design, Delta and Necky. Please understand that single kayak cockpits are max 15” wide and may not be able to accommodate larger people.
There will be kayak orientation on Day 3. This may include things like: demonstration and practice of wet exits, how to use all the kayak equipment, how to pack your kayak, how we will travel in the kayaks, how we can work together and paddle safe, campsite protocol, reviewing natural hazards etc.
The guides try to rotate people around so that everyone has a chance to paddle the different boats. Please let Wild Women Expeditions know if you have a strong preference between a single or a double so that we can take it into account.
For practical purposes, the trip needs at least one double kayak both for safety reasons and for gear carrying capacity. Ideally, it is preferred to have at least half the group in doubles and then trade around amongst the participants that are happy to paddle either. The guides will have the final safety ‘call,’ and much will depend on the forecast for the particular day.
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
Mexico’s official currency is the Peso. Merchants and businesses are no longer allowed to change U.S. dollars for pesos, but they will tell you the location of the nearest currency exchange office or bank.
You will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports throughout Mexico, identified by the “Exchange” sign. You will have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money. The exchange rate is usually shown as “buy” or “purchase”, which shows how many pesos you will receive for each dollar.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
The most convenient way to buy pesos is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Please do not accept any help from people who are not bank employees.
- Banks
Not all banks provide the service of exchanging pesos and dollars, and some require you to have an account with them. Ask someone at your hotel to tell you about the location of the nearest bank where tourists can exchange their currency. You will also need a valid passport to make the exchange.
- Credit Cards
If you have a credit card, you will find that it provides one of the best exchange rates. Although you will not receive pesos directly, your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.
International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.
- Budgeting
Here is a general guide to budgeting in Mexico:
Money and Costs in Mexico – Lonely Planet
- Sales Taxes
The general VAT (Value added tax) rate is 16%.
Swimming is a big part of this trip if you want to see the marine life up close, therefore, please notify Wild Women Expeditions if you are a non-swimmer. Sea kayaking requires sustained effort and conditions can be challenging!Wild Women Expeditions recommends that in the months leading up to your adventure, you prepare yourself by increasing your level of fitness with cardio and/or weight training. Many community centres offer programs that can keep you on track. We can also help you find a basic kayak skills program in your area.
Please note: All gear (tents, food and personal items) will be carried in your kayak when we move campsites on the island, adding additional weight to your kayak.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Hill training.
The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Take a kayak lesson!
Although this trip is beginner-friendly and your guides will lead you through a full orientation once on the trip, if you haven’t paddled a kayak before, taking a lesson with a local kayak outfitter will help increase your confidence (even a pool session will help get you into the groove).
- Break in your hiking boots.
Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.